Portugal were left disappointed as they opened their World Cup 2026 account with a 1-1 draw against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Roberto Martinez’s side were hoping to start their campaign with a statement victory that would have set the tone of Group K, but instead, Cristiano Ronaldo and co. were pegged back by Yoane Wissa’s equaliser in first-half stoppage time to cancel out Joao Neves’ early opener.
The diminuative midfielder ghosted in to glance home a header inside six minutes to give the Euro 2016 winners the perfect start at the NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.
A drab first period ensued, with Portugal, who were knocked out by Morocco in the quarter-finals in Qatar four years ago, knocking the ball around at will, ending the first 45 minutes with 80 per cent of possession.
But they would go in at the interval level, after Wissa was allowed a freee header from a wide free kick, powering beyond Diogo Costa to send Sebastien Desabre in all-square.
Martinez got into his players and demanded they up the tempo in the second, and he introduced the pacey Francisco Conceicao down the right flank to inject some impetus.
He did so, producing two cut-backs for the veteran striker Ronaldo in the middle, but the 41-year-old, who made history by becoming the oldest ever outfield player at a World Cup, could not convert either.
Joao Cancelo, the former Manchester City defender, thought he had re-established his side’s lead when he tucked home from Joao Neves’ chest-down after a delicious Bruno Fernandes delivery, but the flag was up to keep the scores level.
Goncalo Ramos, who struck three goals as a super sub at the last tournament, was thrown on by Martinez with seven minutes to spare as Portugal threw the kitchen sink at their African opponents in a 4-2-4 shape, but they could not muster that winning goal, and they were forced to settle for a point.
They face Uzbekistan back in Houston next, before rounding off their group stage against Colombia.
